Potters sweating on duo

Stoke manager Mark Hughes has doubts over striker Bojan Krkic and defender Phil Bardsley ahead of his side's Capital One Cup clash with Portsmouth on Wednesday.

Krkic missed training on Tuesday with a rib injury, whilst Bardsley has a knee problem, with both to undergo late checks ahead of the game at the Britannia Stadium.

Hughes is definitely without midfielder Stephen Ireland with a rib problem, and although Glenn Whelan has recovered from a foot injury collected in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Hull, he may be rested anyway. Hughes, meanwhile, has confirmed Victor Moses will definitely make his debut following his recent signing on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

Although two leagues separate the two sides, given Pompey's demise over the years from the days when they were in the Premier League themselves in 2010, Hughes is wary of the danger they pose.

Portsmouth have started the current campaign with a bang, winning their last four matches in which they have only conceded one goal.

"It can be dangerous if we don't approach it in the right way," added Hughes, wary his players may have one eye on Saturday's trip to Manchester City.

"But I've been with the guys in training and I see a determination to get back on track, to get back to where we need to be.

"Our focus will be solely on this game. We'll worry about Manchester City once this game has been put to bed.

"It will be about matching effort and commitment, and providing we do that then our quality will come through."

Pompey will again be without Alex Wynter, who has yet to recover from the head injury he suffered during the first-round win against Peterborough a fortnight ago.

Adam Webster, who was rested for Saturday's 1-0 win at Oxford, is set to deputise for Wynter at right-back.

Boss Andy Awford has been rotating his squad to good effect this season so further changes are expected with the likes of Jack Whatmaugh, Jed Wallace and Andy Barcham pushing for recalls.

But Patrick Agyemang (hamstring), Danny East (groin), Michael Pope (Achilles), Tom Craddock and Wes Fogden (both knee) are still on the sidelines.